It was a cold, damp Friday night outside but inside State Street Pub on the near east side it was warm. Some folks talked about their week while ordering drinks and some sat at the bar in silence.
It’s a place that draws regulars and newbies alike. The music ranges from punk to techno to hip hop.
There is even a green screen karaoke night once a month for those who like to belt out a tune while looking like they are in a music video. On that January night, the first act, Eternal Husk, took the stage to improvise with instruments that included a guitar, flute and trumpet. The instruments were familiar but the mixture of sounds was experimental.
One pub newcomer called it haunting, like something from a scary movie soundtrack. But others immediately stopped talking once the music started.
“If one night isn’t your style of music, go the next and it’s completely different,” said Anna Rhodes-Steckbeck, a northsider.
Rhodes-Steckbeck, 32, has been a pub regular for four years. On some days, the experimental sounds are what draw her to the pub. On others, it’s the hip-hop shows with local artists such as Flacoisbored.
She gives a thumbs up to the menu, too, where burgers are $7, a side of fries is $3 and two chorizo tacos are $7.
The variety in music and a feeling of belonging is what regulars seem to like most about the pub.
The bar recently changed ownership, but new owner Mark Tester doesn’t want to change the vibe.
Tester, 40, also is a musician affiliated with Eternal Husk. He said the pub is important to him because he “grew up playing music that wasn’t especially popular in Indiana.” Think electronic and punk, as well as other types that aren’t as quickly defined.
Finding places to play was a struggle, which is why he doesn’t charge musicians.
“I would say it’s a trade-off though, because we aren’t always available,” he said.
That’s because he is selective and aims for a curated experience. He also wants to offer good artists who might not fit in at other venues a place to shine. For example, in 2023, he had a spoken word artist at the pub.
Tester, who lives in Devington, has been working at State Street since 2017. He handled much of the booking as a manager at the pub, but took the leap into ownership last year when the previous owner — who had owned the pub since its opening in 2015 — decided to retire.
It seemed to be a natural next step because Tester would spend hours at the pub. In addition to managing, he would work in the kitchen, the bar or anywhere there was a need. He said he put a lot of “energy into the space.”
In addition to being a bar owner and a musician, Tester co-owns a music label, Medium Sound, where he releases new music on cassette tapes.
Cassettes might seem unusual to many people. However, Tester chose the format when he started Medium Sound in 2016 because they are an inexpensive and quick way to release music.
On that cold Friday night last month, the live music show also served as a tape release event for Eternal Husk and Jarry Mutant, the second act of the night. Cassettes were available for sale at the pub.
Hali Martin, 30, the partner of the artist who goes by Jarry Mutant, has been enjoying music at State Street since 2018. The Fountain Square resident called the pub unique and comfortable.
“People who don’t have a place in other spaces have a place here,” she said.
Music by Eternal Husk and Jarry Mutant also is available to stream on Bandcamp. More information on what’s happening at State Street Pub, 243 N. State Ave., is available on the pub’s Facebook page.
Mirror Indy reporter Diane Moore covers the east side of Indianapolis. Follow her on X at DianeMoore80711.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
